Things to Know about St. Lucia

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The friendly, well-informed taxi drivers of St. Lucia are happy to show you this protected paradise of waterfalls, rain forests, valleys and hillsides that harbor vanilla vines, orchids, warblers and the endangered St. Lucia parrot. While shopping for wood carvings, world renown rum, handmade batiks and locally-blended perfumes, take time to taste the French West Indian or Creole delicacies like curried goat or shark touffe. Seek out a secluded beach, snorkel, scuba or simply sway to the Caribbean rhythm of calypso or reggae - St. Lucia makes no demands but one: relax. St. Lucia is located between Martinique and St. Vincent, northwest of Barbados. St. Lucia is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. This exotic destination is also the home of Les Pitons, the twin volcanic peaks that rise up to 2,619.
Average Temperature
Month
January-March
April-June
July-September
October-December
High/Low
83/70
86/72
87/74
86/73
St. Lucia Map - Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge
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Time Zone

St. Lucia operates on Atlantic Standard Time.

  • One hour ahead of New York Eastern Standard Time
  • Two hours ahead of Chicago Central Standard Time
  • Three hours ahead of Denver Mountain Standard Time
  • Thirteen hours behind Tokyo
Currency

The Eastern Caribbean dollar is fixed to the US dollar at US $1.00=EC $2.70. Traveler's checks and major credit cards are generally accepted. A pocket calculator can also be helpful when you shop to help convert US dollars to Eastern Caribbean dollars.

 

Language

English is the official language but all natives speak a French Creole language commonly called patois.

Proof of Citizenship

Acceptable forms of proof of citizenship for U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and our International Destinations are a valid passport, OR a certified , state issued birth certificate with raised seal AND a valid government photo ID, (i.e. a driver's license). It is the traveler's responsibility to provide proper documentation. Married women traveling with any documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license (a copy is acceptable).

How do I get around?

Taxi service is readily available at taxi stands, airports and hotels. The island is also serviced by local buses that run throughout the island. The price to travel from the north to the south is roughly EC $7. If you rent a car, a valid driver's license is required. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

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Tours

Below are a few of the tours offered in St. Lucia. There are many more in addition to the ones listed.

  • The Tall Ship Brig Unicorn
  • The Jeep Safari Explorer
  • Marquis Plantation
  • Grig Unicorn Sunset Cruise
  • Grenadines

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Events

Winter

  • Masquerades
  • Calypso
  • Carnivals
  • Kite flying

Spring

  • Holy Week
  • Aqua Action
  • St. Lucia Jazz Festival
Activities

Attractions

St. Lucia is a natural paradise. The island supports over 1,179 species of flowering plant and more than 150 species of birds. Below are some examples of the sites you can see in St. Lucia:

  • Nature trail walks and hikes
  • Bird watching
  • Turtle watching
  • Maria Islands Nature Reserves
  • National Rain Forest Reserve
  • La Soufriere and Sulphur Springs
  • Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths
  • Tropical and Botanical Gardens
  • Plantation tours
Recreation
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Sailing
Shopping

St. Lucia best buys are: baskets, wood carvings, pottery, hand screened clothing and batik textiles.

  • Castries Market - vendors have gathered here for more than 100 years to sell fresh fruits and vegetables, spices and local crafts.
  • Pointe Seraphine - a new shopping complex that offers duty-free imports such as perfumes, jewelry, watches, crystal and china. This shopping center offers more than 20 shops.
  • Bagshaws - is the islands finest silk-screening fabrics and clothing. It is located 2 miles from Castries.


Nightlife

The northern village of Gros Islet is the site of "Jump Up," a Caribbean-style street party held once a week. This is a combination of street dancing and a street fair. Hundreds of locals and tourists take up the entire main street with Caribbean food, dancing and music. The "Jump Up" is something you won't want to miss! Another great spot to go to for night life is the Rodney Bay area. It is filled with local nighttime institutions.

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05/25/2010